Goodbye, Gorilla

As many people involved with fastball in our area are by now aware that Bud Hanlon is moving home, back to his home province of Newfoundland.

I've had the pleasure of playing ball with Bud for the last nine years with West Carleton Electric. Big Bud will be missed by many people in Fitzroy Harbour and the area as he has become a bit of a celebrity in the village - he's a hard guy to miss at 6'5" 2?? lbs and with his spectacles.

I have seen Bud pitch some great games over the years, an intimidating presence on the pitching rubber but a pretty quiet guy off the field. While he didn't get a chance to do it too often, the big man can hit the ball as well.

Bud has always been very quick to lend a hand with team fundraisers be it flipping burgers, tending bar and generally helping out.

He's a big man with a big heart, easy to get to know and great with kids. The Caveman and Fitzroy Junior were very sad to hear that Bud was moving away. I've been on many road trips with the big man, hoisted a lot of pints and have a lot of great memories on and off the field with the guy some know as 'the Gorilla'.

When he told me he was moving, he said he "had nothing keeping me here", and he was going home to be closer to his family on the Rock, especially his Mum. Well Bud, your Ottawa Valley 'family' including ball players, co-workers and fans understand why you are moving - but we are going to miss you a lot.

Bud's last GOFL game will be tonight in Manotick as he is hitting the highway this weekend for home.

In other related news, I'd like to announce that I'm looking to put together an area team to head out to Newfoundland for a tournament in 2012 or 2013. I've talked to some of you about it before - if you are interested in being part of this adventure let me know next time I see you at the diamond.